Spring is in the air
PlantBoxes: Prepare for Spring
To prepare your vegetable planters for spring planting, start by cleaning out old debris and assessing the soil. Enrich the soil with compost or other amendments, and consider starting seeds indoors to get a head start. Remember to check your tools, plan your planting based on the last frost date, and choose a sunny, well-draining location.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Soil Preparation:
Remove weeds and debris; assess soil condition. Amend compacted or poor soil with compost or organic matter for better drainage and nutrients.
Consider Plant boxes for better control over soil and drainage if facing heavy clay or drainage issues.
Test soil pH and nutrient levels to determine needed amendments.
Start Indoors: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for an early start.
Choose the Right Medium: Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix (see our article Black gold).
Provide Adequate Light: Ensure 12 hours of light using grow lights or a sunny window.
Planting Plan:
Last Frost Date: Research your area’s last frost date to plan transplanting and direct sowing.
Sunlight Requirements: Most vegetables need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Consider Companion Planting: Research beneficial plant pairings to enhance garden yield.
Tools and Materials:
Gather and Check Tools: Ensure all tools are rust-free and clean.
Purchase Supplies: Buy seeds, potting mix, compost, and fertilizers.
Watering:
Consistent Watering: Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not soggy.
Water Deeply: Encourage deep root growth with thorough watering.
Mulching:
Mulch Appropriately: Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Sowing Seeds:
In South Africa, plant chilli and long-season crop seeds indoors in July and August for an early start before outdoor planting. Aim for seedlings to be ready for transplanting by the first week of October, after nighttime temperatures are consistently above 10°C. Use heating pads for germination, and harden off seedlings by gradually acclimatising them to outdoor conditions. If seeds aren’t started indoors, they can still be planted directly in early October, but watch for frost. The chilli growing season generally lasts from October to April/May.